KUMASI, ASHANTI REGION – A senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, Dr. Solomon Forkuo, has sounded a strong warning about the growing health crisis posed by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Speaking on Wontumi TV’s Privilege Morning Show, Dr. Forkuo urged Ghanaians to set aside partisan politics and confront the issue head-on, stressing that the problem is complex and cannot be solved overnight.
According to Dr. Forkuo, many illegal miners lack knowledge of the precise locations of gold deposits, leading them to indiscriminately destroy water bodies and lands in their search. This has resulted in widespread environmental degradation, including severe water pollution and soil contamination, which in turn directly affect the health of surrounding communities.
“The health impacts of galamsey are alarming. We are seeing a surge in cases of kidney failure, brain tumors, and miscarriages in areas affected by illegal mining,”Dr. Forkuo emphasized.
He referenced past comments by former President Mahama, who noted that the effects of galamsey go beyond environmental damage.
An estimated 4,000 Ghanaian youth involved in illegal mining are also facing social challenges such as substance abuse, prostitution, and abortion.
“Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital alone has recorded a staggering 45,000 health cases linked to galamsey activities. Many of these cases—especially kidney failure and brain tumors—are believed to be caused by toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide used in the mining process,”Forkuo revealed.
He also raised concerns about food safety, pointing to the contamination of common crops such as kontomire (cocoyam leaves), a staple in many Ghanaian diets. Toxic substances from galamsey operations have been found in these vegetables, posing a significant public health threat.
“If left unchecked, galamsey could lead to a full-blown health crisis with long-term consequences for Ghana’s healthcare system and economy,” he warned.
While acknowledging the economic motivations behind small-scale mining. I will not condemn galamsey entirely, but I condemn those who abuse and destroy our water bodies and lands. There are proper, sustainable methods of mining that should be followed,” Dr. Forkuo clarified.
He criticized the politicization of the galamsey fight, saying, “When the New Patriotic Party (NPP) tries to fight galamsey, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) uses it for cheap political gain, destroying our lands and rivers in the process. The NDC appears more focused on winning votes than protecting the welfare of the nation.”
Dr. Forkuo added that the government seems more interested in the revenue generated from gold than in the environmental or health consequences. He called for more localized support for small-scale miners.
“Why should small-scale miners travel all the way to Accra to obtain licenses?” he asked.
“The government should establish offices in mining communities like Manso and its environs. That’s what Dr. Bawumia is advocating—making the system accessible so that miners can operate responsibly and sustainably.”
Source: wontumionline.com
